Lawmakers Near Budget Deal, Trump Urges Shutdown For Immigration

Washington, United States: Congressional leaders said Tuesday they were close to a budget deal that would keep the US government open — despite President Donald Trump calling for a shutdown if he does not get his way on immigration.

The Senate’s top Republican and Democrat signaled a deal was imminent that would raise both defense and non-defense spending beyond the limits imposed by a 2011 law, clearing the way for lawmakers to swiftly pass a temporary spending bill before the government runs out of money at midnight Thursday.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer said there was “real progress” on a budget deal, while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said “we’re on our way to getting an agreement, and getting it very soon.”

Schumer and Democrats threatened to block a current six-week stopgap spending measure being voted on in the Republican-controlled House because it funds the military, but not domestic programs, through the remainder of the fiscal…